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Simply days faraway from his first-round knockout to Jake Paul, Ben Askren has come ahead and shut down hypothesis that the boxing occasion was rigged for him to lose.
Askren’s first boxing combat didn’t fairly go based on plan. A fast first-round KO noticed Paul advance to a 3-0 document with Askren compelled again into retirement. Whereas the PPV occasion generated tens of tens of millions and drew curiosity from around the globe, some viewers rapidly ran away with an intriguing principle.
Was the combat rigged all alongside? Footage quickly emerged that confirmed Askren fortunately leaving the sector mere moments after the knockout. Consequently, many started to invest that he could have ‘taken a dive’ for a fast paycheck – a paycheck significantly bigger than something he ever took dwelling within the UFC.
Talking with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani after the very fact, Askren has now put a cease to this line of pondering. “It undoubtedly didn’t occur,” he confirmed. “I acquired hit.”
— Angelo Boscacci (@Boscacci6) April 18, 2021
Regardless of the short defeat, the previous Olympian assured that ‘throwing the combat’ was by no means even thought-about. “I’m not destitute and poor. What do I achieve by that? The reply is nothing, I believe I’d truly lose lots. That’s not one thing that might ever cross my thoughts.”
Having competed on the highest stage of fight sports activities for greater than a decade, Askren retired with an MMA document of 19-2. For viewers that questioned the legitimacy of his ultimate bout with a YouTuber, he believes it’s solely “human nature.”
Within the lead-up to the combat, and even within the locker room simply minutes earlier than, Askren was “fairly assured [he] was going to win.” Issues finally didn’t play out in his favor however in no way was the occasion rigged.
All of it simply got here all the way down to not “defending the overhand proper,” based on Askren. “He’s acquired a very good overhand proper. I didn’t defend it properly sufficient.”
All through his complete MMA profession, he “wished” his opponents to throw that very same strike with a purpose to arrange an “straightforward” takedown. It was “a tough behavior to interrupt” and that resulted in a first-round KO.
The related subject begins on the 9:40 mark under.
Whereas it was a “extremely embarrassing” outcome, Askren walks away with no regrets now that it’s all stated and accomplished.
As for Paul, he’s nonetheless acquired a wealthy future forward with numerous social media stars calling him out to be subsequent in line. There’s no telling who he may face subsequent, but it surely’s certain to attract simply as a lot curiosity coming off one other flash KO.
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